WELCOME TO THE NEW TLC!
4 months ago
Monday, September 20, 2010
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Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Philippa World - More About Hippotherapy
Annotated Bibliography:Malugani, Megan. “Therapists Saddle Up to Hippotherapy.” Monster Healthcare. 2005. 2/20/05. http://healthcare.monster.com/therapy/articles/hippo/.
This article provides more of a medical opinion on hippotherapy and how it has recently become recognized by many members of the medical profession. There is also a specific example of how this treatment has worked for a specific individual. Is provides information on the changing opinions and beliefs about hippotherapy and includes proof that hippotherapy is successful and beneficial in the sense that it is being referred to patients by physicians and other types of therapists.
Borzo, Greg. “Horse Power: When Riding Turns Into Treatment.” American Hippotherapy Association. 17 July 2002. American Medical Association. 1 March
2005.http://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org/aha _hpot_A-horspower.htm.
Article off of the American Hippotherapy Association website. It quotes many doctors and speech-language pathologists on their experiences with hippotherapy and its’ benefits. Borzo goes on to describe why the horse works so well in therapy and what exactly occurs physiologically in the patient.
Glazer, Hilda R., Myra D. Clark, and David Stein. "The Impact of Hippotherapy on Grieving Children." Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing. pg 6.3 (2004): 171. July-Sept. 2003. 29 May 2005.
http://search.epnet.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=aph&an=13873287/.
Article from the EBSCO host database. Basically this article summarizes a study that observed the effectiveness of hippotherapy on children that are grieving a loved one. It describes the natural way children deal with the death of someone special to them according to their developmental phase their currently in. It then describes the hippotherapy program being observed and goes through the schedule and objectives along with the activities/routine that the children will follow. Finally, it discusses the effects hippotherapy had and all of its’ benefits for the grieving children such as, an increase in confidence, trust, and healthy communication.
The Facts: Hippotherapy has become widely accepted and is now considered an effective treatment by physicians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, and psychiatrists.
~ involves fun exercises and games for children that allow them to forget that they are actually working.
~ benefits anyone from the age of two to 75.
~ can help improve the following medical conditions: Stroke, Autism, Schizophrenia, Cerebral Palsy, Depression, Traumatic Brain Injury, Parkinson’s, Down’s syndrome, and many more.
~ can also improve the following functional limitations and impairments: abnormal tone, impaired communication, impaired sensorimotor function, decreased mobility, limited gross motor skills, deficient speech-language and impaired cognitive abilities.
This article provides more of a medical opinion on hippotherapy and how it has recently become recognized by many members of the medical profession. There is also a specific example of how this treatment has worked for a specific individual. Is provides information on the changing opinions and beliefs about hippotherapy and includes proof that hippotherapy is successful and beneficial in the sense that it is being referred to patients by physicians and other types of therapists.
Borzo, Greg. “Horse Power: When Riding Turns Into Treatment.” American Hippotherapy Association. 17 July 2002. American Medical Association. 1 March
2005.http://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org/aha _hpot_A-horspower.htm.
Article off of the American Hippotherapy Association website. It quotes many doctors and speech-language pathologists on their experiences with hippotherapy and its’ benefits. Borzo goes on to describe why the horse works so well in therapy and what exactly occurs physiologically in the patient.
Glazer, Hilda R., Myra D. Clark, and David Stein. "The Impact of Hippotherapy on Grieving Children." Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing. pg 6.3 (2004): 171. July-Sept. 2003. 29 May 2005.
http://search.epnet.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=aph&an=13873287/.
Article from the EBSCO host database. Basically this article summarizes a study that observed the effectiveness of hippotherapy on children that are grieving a loved one. It describes the natural way children deal with the death of someone special to them according to their developmental phase their currently in. It then describes the hippotherapy program being observed and goes through the schedule and objectives along with the activities/routine that the children will follow. Finally, it discusses the effects hippotherapy had and all of its’ benefits for the grieving children such as, an increase in confidence, trust, and healthy communication.
The Facts: Hippotherapy has become widely accepted and is now considered an effective treatment by physicians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, and psychiatrists.
~ involves fun exercises and games for children that allow them to forget that they are actually working.
~ benefits anyone from the age of two to 75.
~ can help improve the following medical conditions: Stroke, Autism, Schizophrenia, Cerebral Palsy, Depression, Traumatic Brain Injury, Parkinson’s, Down’s syndrome, and many more.
~ can also improve the following functional limitations and impairments: abnormal tone, impaired communication, impaired sensorimotor function, decreased mobility, limited gross motor skills, deficient speech-language and impaired cognitive abilities.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Philippa World - The Voice of the Marechal
In exclusivity, Philippa World got the interview of a Marechal.What does he do?
How does he do?
Why?
Watch!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Philippa World - La Voix du General
En 1966, à la sortie de mes études supérieures (Institut national agronomique et Ecole nationale des Eaux et Forêts) je savais que l'Etat exigeait, pour ses futurs cadres, une instruction militaire assortie à nos diplômes civils. Ma filière était habituellement versée dans l'arme du Génie mais le Général d'Armée, gouverneur militaire de la région Est avait regardé le dossier et il avait décidé d'affecter quatre jeunes ingénieurs forestiers à la prestigieuse Ecole de Cavalerie de Saumur. Hasard ou tradition, les porteurs de titres nobiliaires avaient été retenus et je complétais le groupe. Cette Ecole portait le nom déjà modernisé "Ecole de l'Arme Blindée Cavalerie" (EABC). Une partie non négligeable de la formation comportait des exercices "montés" (cheval et moto). Le Cadre Noir assurait une formation de la partie équestre, dont la difficulté était adaptée au niveau des officiers élèves. Le passage du cheval aux engins à moteur n'a nullement entamé les traditions de l'Arme, qui est fière de son style, de son étiquette et d'un vocabulaire très spécifique, assez différent de celui de l'Infanterie par exemple. Malheur au maladroit qu'une confusion de termes obligeait à offrir un apéritif au Champagne de France dans notre salle à manger - (les cavaliers n'aimant pas le terme de "mess"). Cette époque est malheureusement révolue et les derniers chevaux militaires ont maintenant quitté l'armée, à l'exception de quelques unités de prestige comme la Garde républicaine).
Amateur d’histoire ancienne, j'ai eu la chance d'emporter le souvenir d'un monde qui s'est refermé au rythme effréné d'une mondialisation qui balaie les traditions et qui multiplie les schémas culturels stéréotypés.
Les chevaux de Saumur que nous avons montés pendant six mois étaient spécialisés dans l'art militaire. Ils avaient porté des promotions d'élèves et ils repéraient dès la première seconde l'officier inexpérimenté et maladroit. Je n'ai pas le souvenir d'y avoir vu des Camarguais. Tous les chevaux connaissaient les commandements militaires donnés par le Chef d'Escadrons. Ils réagissaient à l'ordre en même temps que leur cavalier, et parfois même plus vite que lui. Lors d'un exercice de défilé par quatre, le Commandant du Cadre Noir nous avait honorés de sa visite, monté sur un animal magnifique. Selon nos traditions, le Chef d'Escadrons avait crié "Messieurs, le Colonel", un commandement que les animaux avaient immédiatement saisi en s'immobilisant par eux mêmes, sans attendre la réaction des élèves !
Après Saumur, j’ai été versé en qualité de Chef de Peloton dans une unité de Spahis (ex- marocains), en service sur des engins légers de reconnaissance. J’y ai apprécié la persistance des missions traditionnelles assignées à la cavalerie légère : Renseigner(1), Couvrir(2), Combattre(3) restaient les maîtres mots de notre engagement, qu'il soit à cheval ou mécanisé.
Comme je l'ai écrit au début de cet interview, je me suis simultanément engagé dans mon métier de forestier et parallèlement, pour le loisir, dans l'étude des sociétés anciennes, avec l'indépendance gauloise, le monde méditerranéen, l'Empire romain, puis les mouvements des peuples d'Europe centrale, entrés dans le monde latin et intégrés de gré ou de force du cinquième au dixième siècle. Les modèles de cultures successivement empilés se sont télescopés. Retenons que les chevaux ont joué un rôle considérable dans ces mouvements, chaque civilisation ayant introduit une race chevaline spécifique à ses traditions. Certains peuples ont disparu, d'autres se sont fixés là où les derniers empereurs romains les ont installés, à moins qu'ils n'aient conquis le territoire par la force. Les zones ainsi colonisées y ont conservé l’empreinte des races chevalines, qu’elles aient évolué sur place ou qu’elles aient été croisées avec le cheptel déjà en place. Comment repérer l'origine d'une race originale ancienne - camarguaise par exemple - au cœur de cette Provence, traversée une demi-douzaine de fois par des peuples de cultures fort différentes dans l'espace de quelques siècles seulement ? Il faudrait, pour être sûr des filiations, procéder à des investigations génétiques spéciales dont je n’ai pas eu connaissance si elles existent. A l'époque gauloise, la représentation imagée du cheval domine largement parmi les thèmes qui ornent les monnaies celtiques jusqu’à la romanisation. Le sanglier vient en second, dans une représentation de type héraldique assez figée, sans doute inspirée des emblèmes guerriers (le fameux "coq gaulois" est quasiment absent des sujets monétaires !). Le cheval que l’on voit sur les monnaies est debout ou en marche. Il est soit seul, soit monté par un aurige (4), homme ou animal (oiseau souvent). Dans l'ouest de la Gaule, le torse du cheval est humanoïde, référence à des légendes dont le sens nous échappe.
Je ne crois pas à la survivance de races phéniciennes, car les marchands pratiquaient le cabotage le long de comptoirs commerciaux qui étaient souvent implantés sur des sites stratégiques. Ils y échangeaient des produits miniers, artisanaux ou alimentaires et certainement très peu d'animaux vivants dont la présence eût été incompatible avec l'espace disponible sur les voiliers.
La situation est différente à l'époque romaine, dont les armées sont bien connues. Mauvais cavaliers, les Latins avaient néanmoins renforcé leurs légions avec des régiments de cavalerie nommés "alae". Chaque unité comportait plusieurs centaines de cavaliers. L'armée impériale a compté jusqu'à 390.000 soldats, dont une petite moitié seulement de légionnaires professionnels. Les autres militaires étaient « volontaires » ou simplement « mercenaires », souvent recrutés parmi les étrangers ou les non-citoyens romains. La cavalerie romaine entre dans cette dernière catégorie. Elle recherche des indigènes alliés à l'Empire et excellents cavaliers. Ces unités ne sont jamais cantonnées à proximité de leur pays d'origine pour prévenir toute trahison ou rébellion. Nous avons connaissance d'unités formées de Bataves, Frisons, Bretons, Numides ou Maures, Sarmates, Dalmates...dont les montures ont nécessairement laissé des itinéraires génétiques à proximité des garnisons romaines longuement tenues aux frontières de l’Empire (Afrique du Nord et couloir Rhin-Danube).
Je crois que les grandes invasions du III° siècle ont eu un impact sur l'évolution des populations de chevaux. Ces invasions, bien connues et datées, sont passées brutalement le long d’axes routiers, en témoignent les nombreux trésors monétaires hâtivement enfouis au dernier moment par leurs propriétaires gallo-romains affolés. Les monnaies retrouvées et datées sont le fait de propriétaires disparus, morts en définitivement enfuis. La vague de ces invasions s'étend sur trois décennies, soit de 250 à 280 environ. Tous ces raids étaient conduits par des tribus germaniques qui réussirent à percer jusqu'au pied des Pyrénées en 276. L'Empire romain reprend ensuite l'initiative et il tente de repeupler les provinces dévastées par des contingents de barbares capturés, reconvertis et pardonnés. Ces derniers ont sans doute conservé et perpétué leurs propres races de chevaux, notamment lorsque l'Empire leur a confié des terres à remettre en culture (Périphérie du Massif central, Champagne…).
Plus tard, les armées des dynasties constantiniennes, valentiniennes et théodosiennes réussissent à tenir l'interminable frontière Rhin/Danube pendant plus d’un siècle encore, jusqu'à la catastrophe de 406/407, date à laquelle des populations venues de l’Europe centrale et orientale traversent le Rhin gelé avec leurs femmes, leurs chevaux, leurs armes et leurs bagages. L'Empire ne peut contenir cette immigration musclée que les derniers Théodosiens cantonnent de gré ou de force par "nations" là où les Gallo-romains dégagent de l'espace rural à contrecœur. Ces "nations" vont y laisser quelques noms de lieux ainsi colonisés, parfois maintenus jusqu'à nos jours. C’est ainsi que l’on explique des noms de pays ou de villes comme par exemple la « Vallée française » peuplée par les Francs, la Gothie languedocienne des Wisigoths, la Bourgogne des Burgondes ou la cité lorraine de Sermaize, fondée par des Sarmates… Tous ces peuples fuyaient, sur leurs chevaux, une poussée asiatique qui terminera son épopée dans un sanglant désastre aux «Champs catalauniques » près de Troyes en 451. J'ai habité pendant dix ans la commune de La Rivière de Corps, dont le nom passe pour restituer le harcèlement des hordes d'Attila par une véritable armée européenne qui rassemblait les Gallo-romains et la quasi totalité des nouvelles nations "barbares" entrées en 406. Cette sorte d’armée européenne avant l’heure était commandée par le Général romain Aetius. Un roi des Goths et des princes "barbares" ont été tués aux environs de Troyes. Une tombe d'une richesse inouïe a été retrouvée au nord de Troyes dans le lit d'une rivière qui fut détournée à cet effet : les objets, armes, bijoux luxueux étaient ceux d'un cavalier de haut rang - royal peut-être. Cette guerre a certainement vu l'abandon ou l'acclimatation de nombreux chevaux de toutes origines.
A l'autre bout de la Gaule, la Provence camarguaise est également concernée par le passage des Ostrogoths, qui en sont bientôt délogés par les petits fils de Clovis. Plus tard encore, les musulmans, maîtres de la Méditerranée, s'accrochent à la côte provençale où ils installent de véritables bases, comme celle de la Garde Freinet d’où ils "rayonnent" et pillent l'arrière pays. En revanche, il me semble impossible que les Gallo-romains aient été en contact direct avec les Mongols, qui essuyèrent leurs armes beaucoup plus tard sur les restes de l'Empire byzantin autour duquel s'étripaient une pluralité de nations irréconciliables entre elles (Principautés seldjoukides, petite Arménie, Croisés de l'Occident, dynasties arabes issues du démembrement du Califat de Bagdad) - tous montés à cheval, toutes races et origines diverses. Ces contacts ont hâté l’évolution des races de chevaux en Orient : il est aussi possible que certains Croisés survivants en aient rapportés des spécimens dans leurs fiefs occidentaux.
Le travail civil des animaux utilisés en milieu agricole est souvent associé à certaines formes de jardinage de la nature, notamment pour limiter son embroussaillement et le danger d’incendie de forêts ou de végétation. Nous conseillons ici la consultation des travaux scientifiques relatifs aux performances des herbivores employés à la réduction des milieux embroussaillés. Ces études ont généralement pour objet l'évaluation du pâturage en milieu naturel combustible : l’efficacité de la consommation végétale par les animaux réduit-elle sensiblement le risque d’incendie ? En règle générale, il est avéré qu'aucune espèce animale ne trouve suffisamment de nourriture permanente en toutes saisons pour satisfaire ses besoins :
- Les plantes qui ne sont pas consommées prennent le dessus sur les autres ce qui diminue la valeur nutritive du terroir si l'agronome ne fait rien ;
- Certaines stations végétales sont inaccessibles ou improductives à certains moments de l'année (inondations, sécheresses, neige) ;
- Les herbivores choisissent leurs prélèvements, suivant des menus nécessaires à leur physiologie (ligneux bas, herbes, écorces) de sorte que des carences éventuelles peuvent apparaître et être ensuite corrigées par des compléments alimentaires. L’estimation de ces compléments suppose que l’éleveur connaisse parfaitement ce que consomment ses animaux et ce qui leur manque.
- A l'exception des caprins, peu d'animaux acceptent de s'attaquer à des milieux végétaux fermés et hostiles. Il faut donc broyer des itinéraires de pénétration aux herbivores les plus frugaux qui acceptent de s’aventurer et de consommer dans ces milieux vierges. On dégage ainsi des îlots de verdure aérés, accessibles et consommables au sein desquels les animaux ne se découragent pas.
Dans ce panorama, le cheval apparaît comme un auxiliaire docile, discret précieux : s'il ne contribue que moyennement à la première ouverture des parcours neufs, il assure ensuite un entretien de qualité par un travail consciencieux.
Jacques Grelu
Philippa World wanted to share with you "live" what the General just shared with us in French. Next, the Vox of the General...stay tunned!
Amateur d’histoire ancienne, j'ai eu la chance d'emporter le souvenir d'un monde qui s'est refermé au rythme effréné d'une mondialisation qui balaie les traditions et qui multiplie les schémas culturels stéréotypés.
Les chevaux de Saumur que nous avons montés pendant six mois étaient spécialisés dans l'art militaire. Ils avaient porté des promotions d'élèves et ils repéraient dès la première seconde l'officier inexpérimenté et maladroit. Je n'ai pas le souvenir d'y avoir vu des Camarguais. Tous les chevaux connaissaient les commandements militaires donnés par le Chef d'Escadrons. Ils réagissaient à l'ordre en même temps que leur cavalier, et parfois même plus vite que lui. Lors d'un exercice de défilé par quatre, le Commandant du Cadre Noir nous avait honorés de sa visite, monté sur un animal magnifique. Selon nos traditions, le Chef d'Escadrons avait crié "Messieurs, le Colonel", un commandement que les animaux avaient immédiatement saisi en s'immobilisant par eux mêmes, sans attendre la réaction des élèves !
Après Saumur, j’ai été versé en qualité de Chef de Peloton dans une unité de Spahis (ex- marocains), en service sur des engins légers de reconnaissance. J’y ai apprécié la persistance des missions traditionnelles assignées à la cavalerie légère : Renseigner(1), Couvrir(2), Combattre(3) restaient les maîtres mots de notre engagement, qu'il soit à cheval ou mécanisé.
Comme je l'ai écrit au début de cet interview, je me suis simultanément engagé dans mon métier de forestier et parallèlement, pour le loisir, dans l'étude des sociétés anciennes, avec l'indépendance gauloise, le monde méditerranéen, l'Empire romain, puis les mouvements des peuples d'Europe centrale, entrés dans le monde latin et intégrés de gré ou de force du cinquième au dixième siècle. Les modèles de cultures successivement empilés se sont télescopés. Retenons que les chevaux ont joué un rôle considérable dans ces mouvements, chaque civilisation ayant introduit une race chevaline spécifique à ses traditions. Certains peuples ont disparu, d'autres se sont fixés là où les derniers empereurs romains les ont installés, à moins qu'ils n'aient conquis le territoire par la force. Les zones ainsi colonisées y ont conservé l’empreinte des races chevalines, qu’elles aient évolué sur place ou qu’elles aient été croisées avec le cheptel déjà en place. Comment repérer l'origine d'une race originale ancienne - camarguaise par exemple - au cœur de cette Provence, traversée une demi-douzaine de fois par des peuples de cultures fort différentes dans l'espace de quelques siècles seulement ? Il faudrait, pour être sûr des filiations, procéder à des investigations génétiques spéciales dont je n’ai pas eu connaissance si elles existent. A l'époque gauloise, la représentation imagée du cheval domine largement parmi les thèmes qui ornent les monnaies celtiques jusqu’à la romanisation. Le sanglier vient en second, dans une représentation de type héraldique assez figée, sans doute inspirée des emblèmes guerriers (le fameux "coq gaulois" est quasiment absent des sujets monétaires !). Le cheval que l’on voit sur les monnaies est debout ou en marche. Il est soit seul, soit monté par un aurige (4), homme ou animal (oiseau souvent). Dans l'ouest de la Gaule, le torse du cheval est humanoïde, référence à des légendes dont le sens nous échappe.
Je ne crois pas à la survivance de races phéniciennes, car les marchands pratiquaient le cabotage le long de comptoirs commerciaux qui étaient souvent implantés sur des sites stratégiques. Ils y échangeaient des produits miniers, artisanaux ou alimentaires et certainement très peu d'animaux vivants dont la présence eût été incompatible avec l'espace disponible sur les voiliers.
La situation est différente à l'époque romaine, dont les armées sont bien connues. Mauvais cavaliers, les Latins avaient néanmoins renforcé leurs légions avec des régiments de cavalerie nommés "alae". Chaque unité comportait plusieurs centaines de cavaliers. L'armée impériale a compté jusqu'à 390.000 soldats, dont une petite moitié seulement de légionnaires professionnels. Les autres militaires étaient « volontaires » ou simplement « mercenaires », souvent recrutés parmi les étrangers ou les non-citoyens romains. La cavalerie romaine entre dans cette dernière catégorie. Elle recherche des indigènes alliés à l'Empire et excellents cavaliers. Ces unités ne sont jamais cantonnées à proximité de leur pays d'origine pour prévenir toute trahison ou rébellion. Nous avons connaissance d'unités formées de Bataves, Frisons, Bretons, Numides ou Maures, Sarmates, Dalmates...dont les montures ont nécessairement laissé des itinéraires génétiques à proximité des garnisons romaines longuement tenues aux frontières de l’Empire (Afrique du Nord et couloir Rhin-Danube).
Je crois que les grandes invasions du III° siècle ont eu un impact sur l'évolution des populations de chevaux. Ces invasions, bien connues et datées, sont passées brutalement le long d’axes routiers, en témoignent les nombreux trésors monétaires hâtivement enfouis au dernier moment par leurs propriétaires gallo-romains affolés. Les monnaies retrouvées et datées sont le fait de propriétaires disparus, morts en définitivement enfuis. La vague de ces invasions s'étend sur trois décennies, soit de 250 à 280 environ. Tous ces raids étaient conduits par des tribus germaniques qui réussirent à percer jusqu'au pied des Pyrénées en 276. L'Empire romain reprend ensuite l'initiative et il tente de repeupler les provinces dévastées par des contingents de barbares capturés, reconvertis et pardonnés. Ces derniers ont sans doute conservé et perpétué leurs propres races de chevaux, notamment lorsque l'Empire leur a confié des terres à remettre en culture (Périphérie du Massif central, Champagne…).
Plus tard, les armées des dynasties constantiniennes, valentiniennes et théodosiennes réussissent à tenir l'interminable frontière Rhin/Danube pendant plus d’un siècle encore, jusqu'à la catastrophe de 406/407, date à laquelle des populations venues de l’Europe centrale et orientale traversent le Rhin gelé avec leurs femmes, leurs chevaux, leurs armes et leurs bagages. L'Empire ne peut contenir cette immigration musclée que les derniers Théodosiens cantonnent de gré ou de force par "nations" là où les Gallo-romains dégagent de l'espace rural à contrecœur. Ces "nations" vont y laisser quelques noms de lieux ainsi colonisés, parfois maintenus jusqu'à nos jours. C’est ainsi que l’on explique des noms de pays ou de villes comme par exemple la « Vallée française » peuplée par les Francs, la Gothie languedocienne des Wisigoths, la Bourgogne des Burgondes ou la cité lorraine de Sermaize, fondée par des Sarmates… Tous ces peuples fuyaient, sur leurs chevaux, une poussée asiatique qui terminera son épopée dans un sanglant désastre aux «Champs catalauniques » près de Troyes en 451. J'ai habité pendant dix ans la commune de La Rivière de Corps, dont le nom passe pour restituer le harcèlement des hordes d'Attila par une véritable armée européenne qui rassemblait les Gallo-romains et la quasi totalité des nouvelles nations "barbares" entrées en 406. Cette sorte d’armée européenne avant l’heure était commandée par le Général romain Aetius. Un roi des Goths et des princes "barbares" ont été tués aux environs de Troyes. Une tombe d'une richesse inouïe a été retrouvée au nord de Troyes dans le lit d'une rivière qui fut détournée à cet effet : les objets, armes, bijoux luxueux étaient ceux d'un cavalier de haut rang - royal peut-être. Cette guerre a certainement vu l'abandon ou l'acclimatation de nombreux chevaux de toutes origines.
A l'autre bout de la Gaule, la Provence camarguaise est également concernée par le passage des Ostrogoths, qui en sont bientôt délogés par les petits fils de Clovis. Plus tard encore, les musulmans, maîtres de la Méditerranée, s'accrochent à la côte provençale où ils installent de véritables bases, comme celle de la Garde Freinet d’où ils "rayonnent" et pillent l'arrière pays. En revanche, il me semble impossible que les Gallo-romains aient été en contact direct avec les Mongols, qui essuyèrent leurs armes beaucoup plus tard sur les restes de l'Empire byzantin autour duquel s'étripaient une pluralité de nations irréconciliables entre elles (Principautés seldjoukides, petite Arménie, Croisés de l'Occident, dynasties arabes issues du démembrement du Califat de Bagdad) - tous montés à cheval, toutes races et origines diverses. Ces contacts ont hâté l’évolution des races de chevaux en Orient : il est aussi possible que certains Croisés survivants en aient rapportés des spécimens dans leurs fiefs occidentaux.
Le travail civil des animaux utilisés en milieu agricole est souvent associé à certaines formes de jardinage de la nature, notamment pour limiter son embroussaillement et le danger d’incendie de forêts ou de végétation. Nous conseillons ici la consultation des travaux scientifiques relatifs aux performances des herbivores employés à la réduction des milieux embroussaillés. Ces études ont généralement pour objet l'évaluation du pâturage en milieu naturel combustible : l’efficacité de la consommation végétale par les animaux réduit-elle sensiblement le risque d’incendie ? En règle générale, il est avéré qu'aucune espèce animale ne trouve suffisamment de nourriture permanente en toutes saisons pour satisfaire ses besoins :
- Les plantes qui ne sont pas consommées prennent le dessus sur les autres ce qui diminue la valeur nutritive du terroir si l'agronome ne fait rien ;
- Certaines stations végétales sont inaccessibles ou improductives à certains moments de l'année (inondations, sécheresses, neige) ;
- Les herbivores choisissent leurs prélèvements, suivant des menus nécessaires à leur physiologie (ligneux bas, herbes, écorces) de sorte que des carences éventuelles peuvent apparaître et être ensuite corrigées par des compléments alimentaires. L’estimation de ces compléments suppose que l’éleveur connaisse parfaitement ce que consomment ses animaux et ce qui leur manque.
- A l'exception des caprins, peu d'animaux acceptent de s'attaquer à des milieux végétaux fermés et hostiles. Il faut donc broyer des itinéraires de pénétration aux herbivores les plus frugaux qui acceptent de s’aventurer et de consommer dans ces milieux vierges. On dégage ainsi des îlots de verdure aérés, accessibles et consommables au sein desquels les animaux ne se découragent pas.
Dans ce panorama, le cheval apparaît comme un auxiliaire docile, discret précieux : s'il ne contribue que moyennement à la première ouverture des parcours neufs, il assure ensuite un entretien de qualité par un travail consciencieux.
Jacques Grelu
Philippa World wanted to share with you "live" what the General just shared with us in French. Next, the Vox of the General...stay tunned!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Philppa World - Your Next Trip To See Camarguais Horses
They are all waiting for you!All these guys are waiting for you. They will be delighted to show you the surroundings. They are very
gently and easy going. Even if they are not that tall, they are strong and will keep you safe in the wild Camargue. They are the best compagnons you would dream of to discover the nature rich of an uncomparable fauna and flora.
We recommend you to fly to Paris,
Nice, Marseilles or Lyon and then take a TGV to Avignon or Nimes. Get some rest and the following day, plan outdoor horse back riding in Camargues.The area is very rich in History, culture and wonders to discover.
Have a visit of the Pope Palace where you can get a Wine Tasting introduction to the Cote du Rhone wines. Avignon is indeed the Capital of the Cote du Rhone (rated #1 by Wine Spectator).
To complete your initiation to the Provence region, visit the Perfume and Aromas museum in Graveson.Once your senses are excited, go to Nimes, the superb French Rome and visit its 2,000 year architecture.
Wanna go even further back in time? Then take your horse and plan a ride to visit the Opidum of Nages. It is only over 3,500 years old.
Camarguais horses were already in the area back in those days...
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Philppa World - How Camarguais Horses Help People
We started Philippa Project looking to understand the world through the world of horses, as Franklin Foer did through the world of soccer.
We looked at how Google would rank this search.
First we got confirmation that when typing "How soccer", the top search was indeed "How Soccer Explains the World"
Then we started to type "How Horses", and then we found out that the top search coming up was "How Horses Help People".
This search was getting about 8,190,000 results in 0.39 seconds
What an interesting result!
We had to investigate these results and see if Camarguais horses could respond to this need for help people are searching for.
First what kind of help are they searching for?
Here is the top ranked site we have found. It is actually a HubPage. The subject is Hippotherapy. How horses help people injured or handicaped.
Note: Some say though blogs and hubpages provide almost the same SOE(search engine optimization) ranking levels, Hubpages have the ability to create a greater amount of traffic from its own community of Hubbers.
MSNBC followed injured GI's who would use Hippotherapy to be able to walk again. Indeed, the motion of the horse help anyone injured or handicaped to rebuild core muscle and pelvis muscles so critical to be able to walk. Hippotherapy is a very confortable, smoothe but efficient way to rebuild muscles, improve coordination, posture and balance while at the same time strenthening the respiratory system. The e
ntire body needs to work out.
We looked at how Google would rank this search.
First we got confirmation that when typing "How soccer", the top search was indeed "How Soccer Explains the World"
Then we started to type "How Horses", and then we found out that the top search coming up was "How Horses Help People".
This search was getting about 8,190,000 results in 0.39 seconds
What an interesting result!
We had to investigate these results and see if Camarguais horses could respond to this need for help people are searching for.
First what kind of help are they searching for?
Here is the top ranked site we have found. It is actually a HubPage. The subject is Hippotherapy. How horses help people injured or handicaped.
Note: Some say though blogs and hubpages provide almost the same SOE(search engine optimization) ranking levels, Hubpages have the ability to create a greater amount of traffic from its own community of Hubbers.
MSNBC followed injured GI's who would use Hippotherapy to be able to walk again. Indeed, the motion of the horse help anyone injured or handicaped to rebuild core muscle and pelvis muscles so critical to be able to walk. Hippotherapy is a very confortable, smoothe but efficient way to rebuild muscles, improve coordination, posture and balance while at the same time strenthening the respiratory system. The e
ntire body needs to work out. Not only horses can help physically injured or handicapped people, they can also help mentally injured or handicapped people.
We know that horses are not predators and their only way to survive is to sharpen their senses to feel danger and run away from the danger. They might have a small brain, they are very sensitive. They also have an incredible ability to mirror emotions and can help people to improve their cognitive, emotional, and social skills.
Conditions most often treated by hippotherapy:
. Cerebral palsy
. Multiple sclerosis
. Down syndrome
. Developmental delay
. Autism
. Stroke
. Traumatic brain injury
. Spinal cord injury
. Spina bifida
. Convulsive disorders
. Amputation
. Muscular dystrophy
. Visual and Hearing Impairment
This therapy has given results in:
. Joint mobility
. Balance
. Muscle tone
. Head and trunk control
. Strength
. Motor skills and coordination
. Cardiovascular conditioning
. Postural control
. Symmetry
. Sensory integration
. Communication skills
. Psychological, cognitive, and behavioral functioning
Now what kind of horses are used for such therapy?
The horse should not be too tall.
It is important that this horse has a nice and slaw walk with nice hips' movements.
Cold blooded horses are of course preferable.
So the Camarguais horse certainly can be a good candidate.
We have found a German web site promoting Hippotherapy on Camarguais horses.
To know all about the Hippotherapy, we recommend the Federation of Riding For The Disabled.
Conditions most often treated by hippotherapy:
. Cerebral palsy
. Multiple sclerosis
. Down syndrome
. Developmental delay
. Autism
. Stroke
. Traumatic brain injury
. Spinal cord injury
. Spina bifida
. Convulsive disorders
. Amputation
. Muscular dystrophy
. Visual and Hearing Impairment
This therapy has given results in:
. Joint mobility
. Balance
. Muscle tone
. Head and trunk control
. Strength
. Motor skills and coordination
. Cardiovascular conditioning
. Postural control
. Symmetry
. Sensory integration
. Communication skills
. Psychological, cognitive, and behavioral functioning
Now what kind of horses are used for such therapy?
The horse should not be too tall.
It is important that this horse has a nice and slaw walk with nice hips' movements.
Cold blooded horses are of course preferable.
So the Camarguais horse certainly can be a good candidate.
We have found a German web site promoting Hippotherapy on Camarguais horses.
To know all about the Hippotherapy, we recommend the Federation of Riding For The Disabled.
The American Hippotherapy Association is also full of information and you can even get the magazine published twice a year which features a variety of high-quality articles related to the practice of hippotherapy.
Triple Crown Intermezzo - The Upcoming Preakness Stakes
Count down for the Preakness Stakes. On May 15, Thoroughbread will run over 1 and 3/16 miles
Philippa world will follow the 2nd round of the Triple Crown
You only have 3 more days to wait.
Ready to gamble? ok, then "Faites vos jeux"...."rien ne va plus"....
Monday, May 10, 2010
Philppa World - How Camarguais Horses Preserve Our Environment
Thanks to the Camargue regional nature park, an area of 86 km2 is devoted to the protection of the natural environment and its species. Equipped with binoculars and a little patience, you can easily be able to observe herons, egrets, ducks and of course flamingoes.The Camargue is considered as a miraculously preserved gem and is the only one of its kind in Europe. Covered with meadows, ponds, swamps, rivers and salt marshes.
The Camargue was exploited in the Middle-Ages by Cistercian and Benedictine monks. In the 16-17th centuries, big estates, known locally as mas, were founded by rich landlords from Arles. At the end of the 18th century, the Rhône was diked up. In 1858, the building of the digue à la mer (dyke to the sea) achieved protection of the delta from erosion.
The north of the Camargue is made of agricultural land. The main crops are cereals, grapevine and rice.
Rice cultivation is done on 3-ha plots that are submerged from April to September, and harvested during September and October. Over 30,000 ha (120 square miles) of rice was grown in the early sixties, down to 10,000 ha today. Other crops include large fields of wheat, maize, rape and forage, intermixed with orchards, market gardens and even an occasional vineyard.
Camarguais horses are used to supervise the territory cultivated for rice. The ideal way to explore and work in the Camargue is on Camarguais horseback. This is the best way to go in the remotest parts. There are no hills and nearly 20 km of roads are closed to motor vehicles, from Saintes Maries to Salins de Giraud.Near the seashore, prehistoric man started extracting salt, a practice that continued. This was a source of wealth for the Cistercian "salt abbeys" of Ulmet, Franquevaux and Psalmody in the Middle Ages.
The salt industry started in the 19th century, and big chemical companies such as Péchiney and Solvay, founded the 'mining' city of Salins de Giraud.The alluvium soil in the Rhône delta is excellent for crops, but must be prepared and maintained. The land had to be drained, and needs to be protected by low dikes. Salt content, which increases during summer evaporation, is reduced by washing down the soil.
The boundaries of the Camargue are constantly revised by the Rhône as it transports huge quantities of mud downstream - as much as 20 million m³ annually. Some of the étangs are in fact the remnants of old arms and legs of the river. The general trend is for the coastline to move outwards. Aigues-Mortes, originally built as a port on the coast, is now some 5 km (3 miles) inland. The pace of change has been modified somewhat in recent years by man-made barriers, such as dams on the Rhône and sea dykes, but flooding remains a problem across the region.
Next: Interview of the General on how to prevent Natural risks thanks to Camarguais.
Stay tunned!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Philppa World - Camarguais Horses & Lyrics
Georges Brassens was a poet and song writer born in Sete.Sete is located on the Mediterranean shore, 1 hour away west from the Camargues Region.
He achieved fame through his simple, elegant songs and articulate, diverse lyrics.
He is considered one of France's most accomplished postwar poets.
His song the Little White Horse which referse to the Camarguais Horse is nowadays tought in all French elementary schools as a national heritage treasure praising courage no matter what.
Musique : Georges Brassens(c) 1953
Le p'tit cheval dans le mauvais temps,
Qu'il avait donc du courage!
C'tait un petit cheval blanc,Tous derrire, tous derrire,
C'tait un petit cheval blanc,Tous derrire et lui devant.
Il n'y avait jamais d'beau temps,
Dans ce pauvre paysage.
Il n'y avait jamais de printemps,
Ni derrire, ni derrire,
Il n'y avait jamais de beau temps,
Ni derrire, ni devant.
Mais toujours il tait content,
Menant les gars du village,
Travers la pluie noire des champs,
Tous derriere...
Sa voiture allait poursuivant
Sa bell' petit' queue sauvage.
C'est alors qu'il tait content,
Tous derriere...
Mais un jour, dans le mauvais temps,
Un jour qu'il tait si sage,
Il est mort par un clair blanc,
Tous derriere...
Il est mort sans voir le beau temps,
Qu'il avait donc du courage!
Il est mort sans voir le printemps,
Ni derriere, ni devant
If you want to know more about Brassens, the city of Sete has dedicated a Museum to celebrate him.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Philppa World - Camarguais Horses & Poetry
In 1859, famous Occitan poem Mireille from French poet Nobel Prize Frederic Mistral talks about the Camarguais horses and their tough environmnet.
Poem in original Occitan
Qu'aquelo meno souvagino,
Soun elemen es la marino
D'ou càrri de Netune escapado segur,
Es encaro tencho d'escumo
Frederi Mistral : Mirèio Cant IV
The fourth canto, Li Demandaire (The Suitors), recalls the Homeric style, and is among the finest of the poem. Alàri, the shepherd, Veran, the keeper of horses, and Ourrias, who has herds of bulls in the Camargue, present themselves successively for the hand of Mirèio. The "transhumance des troupeaux" is described in verse full of vigorous movement; the sheep are taken up into the Alps for the summer, and then in the fall brought down toPg 113 the great plain of the Crau near the Delta of the Rhone. The whole description is made with bold, simple strokes of the brush, offering a vivid picture not to be forgotten. Alàri, too, offers a marvellously carved wooden cup, adorned with pastoral scenes. Veran owns a hundred white mares, whose manes, thick and flowing like the grass of the marshes, are untouched by the shears, and float above their necks, as they bound fiercely along, like a fairy's scarf. They are never subdued, and often, after years of exile from the salt meadows of the Camargue, they throw off their rider, and gallop over twenty leagues of marshes to the land of their birth, to breathe the free salt air of the sea. Their element is the sea; they have surely broken loose from the chariot of Neptune; they are still white with foam; and when the sea roars and darkens, when the ships break their cables, the stallions of the Camargue neigh with joy.
The poet Roy Campbell also wrote about these white Camarguais horses and the noise of their feet in the waves.
In the grey wastes of dread,
The haunt of shattered gulls where nothing moves
But in a shroud of silence like the dead,
I heard a sudden harmony of hooves,
And, turning, saw afar
A hundred snowy horses unconfined,
The silver runaways of Neptune's car
Racing, spray-curled, like waves before the wind.
Sons of the Mistral, fleet
As him with whose strong gusts they love to flee,
Who shod the flying thunders on their feet
And plumed them with the snortings of the sea;
Theirs is no earthly breed
Who only haunts the verges of the earth
And only on the sea's salt herbage feed-
Surely the great white breakers gave them birth.
For when for years a slave,
A horse of the Camargue, in alien lands,
Should catch some far-off fragrance of the wave
Carried far inland from this native sands,
Many have told the tale
Of how in fury, foaming at the rein,
He hurls his rider; and with lifted tail,
With coal-red eyes and catarcating mane,
Heading his course for home,
Though sixty foreign leagues before him sweep,
Will never rest until he breathes the foam
And hears the native thunder of the deep.
And when the great gusts rise
And lash their anger on these arid coasts,
When the scared gulls career with mournful cries
And whirl across the waste like driven ghosts;
When hail and fire converge,
The only souls to which they strike no pain
Are the white crested fillies of the surge
And the white horses of the windy plain.
Then in their strength and pride
The stallions of the wilderness rejoice;
They feel their Master's trident in their side,
And high and shrill they answer
to his voice.
With white tails smoking free,
Long streaming manes, and arching necks, they show
Their kinship to their sisters of the sea-
And forward hurl their thunderbolts of snow.
Still out of hardship bred,
Spirits of power and beauty and delight
Have ever on such frugal pasture fed
And loved to course with tempests through the night.
In the grey wastes of dread,
The haunt of shattered gulls where nothing moves
But in a shroud of silence like the dead,
I heard a sudden harmony of hooves,
And, turning, saw afar
A hundred snowy horses unconfined,
The silver runaways of Neptune's car
Racing, spray-curled, like waves before the wind.
Sons of the Mistral, fleet
As him with whose strong gusts they love to flee,
Who shod the flying thunders on their feet
And plumed them with the snortings of the sea;
Theirs is no earthly breed
Who only haunts the verges of the earth
And only on the sea's salt herbage feed-
Surely the great
white breakers gave them birth.
For when for years a slave,
A horse of the Camargue, in alien lands,
Should catch some far-off fragrance of the wave
Carried far inland from this native sands,
Many have told the tale
Of how in fury, foaming at the rein,
He hurls his rider; and with lifted tail,
With coal-red eyes and catarcating mane,
Heading his course for home,
Though sixty foreign leagues before him sweep,
Will never rest until he breathes the foam
And hears the native thunder of the deep.
And when the great gusts rise
And lash their anger on these arid coasts,
When the scared gulls career with mournful cries
And whirl across the waste like driven ghosts;
When hail and fire converge,
The only souls to which they strike no pain
Are the white crested fillies of the surge
And the white horses of the windy plain.
Then in their strength and pride
The stallions of the wilderness rejoice;
They feel their Master's trident in their side,
And high and shrill they answer to his voice.
With white tails smoking free,
Long streaming manes, and arching necks, they show
Their kinship to their sisters of the sea-
And forward hurl their thunderbolts of snow.
Still out of hardship bred,
Spirits of power and beauty and delight
Have ever on such frugal pasture fed
And loved to course with tempests through the night.
Poem in original Occitan
Qu'aquelo meno souvagino,
Soun elemen es la marino
D'ou càrri de Netune escapado segur,
Es encaro tencho d'escumo
Frederi Mistral : Mirèio Cant IV
The fourth canto, Li Demandaire (The Suitors), recalls the Homeric style, and is among the finest of the poem. Alàri, the shepherd, Veran, the keeper of horses, and Ourrias, who has herds of bulls in the Camargue, present themselves successively for the hand of Mirèio. The "transhumance des troupeaux" is described in verse full of vigorous movement; the sheep are taken up into the Alps for the summer, and then in the fall brought down toPg 113 the great plain of the Crau near the Delta of the Rhone. The whole description is made with bold, simple strokes of the brush, offering a vivid picture not to be forgotten. Alàri, too, offers a marvellously carved wooden cup, adorned with pastoral scenes. Veran owns a hundred white mares, whose manes, thick and flowing like the grass of the marshes, are untouched by the shears, and float above their necks, as they bound fiercely along, like a fairy's scarf. They are never subdued, and often, after years of exile from the salt meadows of the Camargue, they throw off their rider, and gallop over twenty leagues of marshes to the land of their birth, to breathe the free salt air of the sea. Their element is the sea; they have surely broken loose from the chariot of Neptune; they are still white with foam; and when the sea roars and darkens, when the ships break their cables, the stallions of the Camargue neigh with joy.
The poet Roy Campbell also wrote about these white Camarguais horses and the noise of their feet in the waves.In the grey wastes of dread,
The haunt of shattered gulls where nothing moves
But in a shroud of silence like the dead,
I heard a sudden harmony of hooves,
And, turning, saw afar
A hundred snowy horses unconfined,
The silver runaways of Neptune's car
Racing, spray-curled, like waves before the wind.
Sons of the Mistral, fleet
As him with whose strong gusts they love to flee,
Who shod the flying thunders on their feet
And plumed them with the snortings of the sea;
Theirs is no earthly breed
Who only haunts the verges of the earth
And only on the sea's salt herbage feed-
Surely the great white breakers gave them birth.
For when for years a slave,
A horse of the Camargue, in alien lands,
Should catch some far-off fragrance of the wave
Carried far inland from this native sands,
Many have told the tale
Of how in fury, foaming at the rein,
He hurls his rider; and with lifted tail,
With coal-red eyes and catarcating mane,
Heading his course for home,
Though sixty foreign leagues before him sweep,
Will never rest until he breathes the foam
And hears the native thunder of the deep.
And when the great gusts rise
And lash their anger on these arid coasts,
When the scared gulls career with mournful cries
And whirl across the waste like driven ghosts;
When hail and fire converge,
The only souls to which they strike no pain
Are the white crested fillies of the surge
And the white horses of the windy plain.
Then in their strength and pride
The stallions of the wilderness rejoice;
They feel their Master's trident in their side,
And high and shrill they answer
to his voice.With white tails smoking free,
Long streaming manes, and arching necks, they show
Their kinship to their sisters of the sea-
And forward hurl their thunderbolts of snow.
Still out of hardship bred,
Spirits of power and beauty and delight
Have ever on such frugal pasture fed
And loved to course with tempests through the night.
In the grey wastes of dread,
The haunt of shattered gulls where nothing moves
But in a shroud of silence like the dead,
I heard a sudden harmony of hooves,
And, turning, saw afar
A hundred snowy horses unconfined,
The silver runaways of Neptune's car
Racing, spray-curled, like waves before the wind.
Sons of the Mistral, fleet
As him with whose strong gusts they love to flee,
Who shod the flying thunders on their feet
And plumed them with the snortings of the sea;
Theirs is no earthly breed
Who only haunts the verges of the earth
And only on the sea's salt herbage feed-
Surely the great
white breakers gave them birth.For when for years a slave,
A horse of the Camargue, in alien lands,
Should catch some far-off fragrance of the wave
Carried far inland from this native sands,
Many have told the tale
Of how in fury, foaming at the rein,
He hurls his rider; and with lifted tail,
With coal-red eyes and catarcating mane,
Heading his course for home,
Though sixty foreign leagues before him sweep,
Will never rest until he breathes the foam
And hears the native thunder of the deep.
And when the great gusts rise
And lash their anger on these arid coasts,
When the scared gulls career with mournful cries
And whirl across the waste like driven ghosts;
When hail and fire converge,
The only souls to which they strike no pain
Are the white crested fillies of the surge
And the white horses of the windy plain.
Then in their strength and pride
The stallions of the wilderness rejoice;
They feel their Master's trident in their side,
And high and shrill they answer to his voice.
With white tails smoking free,
Long streaming manes, and arching necks, they show
Their kinship to their sisters of the sea-
And forward hurl their thunderbolts of snow.
Still out of hardship bred,
Spirits of power and beauty and delight
Have ever on such frugal pasture fed
And loved to course with tempests through the night.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Philippa World - A Versatile Camarguais
The sleepy appearance of the Camarguais horse is pretty missleading.Indeed this horse hides a great capability to work.
Incredibly agile, he always remains calm.
Camarguais horses are very versatile.
If Camarguais are used for:
. Farming and breeding
. Traditional celebrations (Races, Bullfightings and other Folklores)
. Equistrian Games
They traditionnaly have been used in
. Military schools
. Wars
Now, we realize how important they can be in
. Nature preservation
. Hippotherapy
Monday, May 3, 2010
Philippa World - Camarguais Horse & The Games
The Kentucky Horse Park of Lexington (Kentucky) will welcome Camarguais horses from September 25 through October 10. This is the first time ever, that USA welco
me the World Equestrian Games.
The beautiful breed known as the white horse of the sea, native to the Camarague, will demonstrate his agility during the games.
Agility is certainly one of the breeds great attribute as they can twist and turn very quickly .
Since 1995, the French Equistrian Federation includes the Camargue Equistry.
There is Official National Championship with rules elaborated by the Commission d'Equitation Camargue de la FFE (Camargue Equistry Commission of the French Equistrian Federation) validated by the Direction of Les Haras nationaux (National Haras).
There are 8 exercises showing the agility and the calm of this "cold blooded" horse.
1/ Courséjado
2/ Jeu de la liberté
3/ Maniabilité
4/ Parcours de pays (similar to Cross with obstacles)
5/ Dressage with bulls
6/ Parallel Slalom
7/ Tri chronométré: 4 horses selecting 3 bulls in a limited time
8/ Tri technique: 4 horses selecting bulls and demonstrating technic.
me the World Equestrian Games.The beautiful breed known as the white horse of the sea, native to the Camarague, will demonstrate his agility during the games.
Agility is certainly one of the breeds great attribute as they can twist and turn very quickly .
Since 1995, the French Equistrian Federation includes the Camargue Equistry.
There is Official National Championship with rules elaborated by the Commission d'Equitation Camargue de la FFE (Camargue Equistry Commission of the French Equistrian Federation) validated by the Direction of Les Haras nationaux (National Haras).
There are 8 exercises showing the agility and the calm of this "cold blooded" horse.
1/ Courséjado
2/ Jeu de la liberté
3/ Maniabilité
4/ Parcours de pays (similar to Cross with obstacles)
5/ Dressage with bulls
6/ Parallel Slalom
7/ Tri chronométré: 4 horses selecting 3 bulls in a limited time
8/ Tri technique: 4 horses selecting bulls and demonstrating technic.
Since 2007, some of these exercises are open to other techniques such as the Doma Vaquera which is the Portuguese equivalent technic of the French Camargue Equistry.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Philippa World Intermezzo - The Kentucky Derby 2010
In a thrilling Kentucky Derby 2010, it is the Thouroughbred Super Saver ridden by Calvin Borel who romped home to take victory. We will follow Saver ridden in its persuit of the Triple Crown.
Stay tunned!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Philippa World - Camarguais Horses & The Cadre Noir
Before we meet the General Grelu, who will tell us more about Camarguais horses in War times, let's discover the school he went to: The Cadre Noir.
Located in Saumur, the Cadre Noire is known as a major world riding school.
From 29 April to 2 May, the French Riding School organizes the Grand Prix CDIO. The best world riders will be present during these four days of competitions.
The Cadre Noir de Saumur is also a Military school.
The troop was founded in 1828, and gets its name from the black uniforms that are still used today. It is one of the most prestigious horsemanship schools in the world.
In 1972, the National School of Équitation was constituted around the Cadre Noir, which form its core teaching staff. Today, there are about 50 horses and a team of elite riders, usually limited to 22. The members of the Cadre Noir are either under a civilian or a military status. Some of the riders have reached the highest level of international sport, being olympic or world champions.
The Cadre Noir mainly uses Thoroughbreds, Anglo-Arabians, Hanoverians and Selle Français, but also keeps Lusitano horses to demonstrate the 16th and 17th century baroque style of riding. The Thoroughbreds and Anglo Arabians are used for the Grand Prix dressage, and perform individually, pas de deux (two horses), pas de trois (three horses), and dûe quantité (four or more horses). They may be either displayed in hand or ridden.
The Selle Français are used to display the 'airs above the ground.'
Occasionally, Camarguais horses are used for dressage trainings.
The General Grelu will share with us his experience at the Cadre Noir. Since the military career of the General gave him the opportunity to be in charge of the Forests of the South of France territory and to also do analysis of the Natural risks of the region, we will ask him how Camarguais horses can play a role in the preservation of the environment.
Stay tunned!
Located in Saumur, the Cadre Noire is known as a major world riding school.
From 29 April to 2 May, the French Riding School organizes the Grand Prix CDIO. The best world riders will be present during these four days of competitions.
The Cadre Noir de Saumur is also a Military school.
The troop was founded in 1828, and gets its name from the black uniforms that are still used today. It is one of the most prestigious horsemanship schools in the world.
In 1972, the National School of Équitation was constituted around the Cadre Noir, which form its core teaching staff. Today, there are about 50 horses and a team of elite riders, usually limited to 22. The members of the Cadre Noir are either under a civilian or a military status. Some of the riders have reached the highest level of international sport, being olympic or world champions.
The Cadre Noir mainly uses Thoroughbreds, Anglo-Arabians, Hanoverians and Selle Français, but also keeps Lusitano horses to demonstrate the 16th and 17th century baroque style of riding. The Thoroughbreds and Anglo Arabians are used for the Grand Prix dressage, and perform individually, pas de deux (two horses), pas de trois (three horses), and dûe quantité (four or more horses). They may be either displayed in hand or ridden.
The Selle Français are used to display the 'airs above the ground.'
Occasionally, Camarguais horses are used for dressage trainings.
The General Grelu will share with us his experience at the Cadre Noir. Since the military career of the General gave him the opportunity to be in charge of the Forests of the South of France territory and to also do analysis of the Natural risks of the region, we will ask him how Camarguais horses can play a role in the preservation of the environment.
Stay tunned!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Philippa World Intermezzo - The Upcoming Triple Crown
The Triple Crown of Thouroughbred Racing is a major event in the world of horses lovers we couldn't possibly miss. The first race to win for the Triple Crown is the Kentucky Derby.
The second consecutive race to win the Triple Crown is the Preakness Stakes.
The third consecutive race to win the Triple Crown is the Belmont Stakes.
Since 1875 only 11 horses won the USA Triple Crown:
1919: Sir Barton
1930: Gallant Fox
1935: Omaha
1937: War Admiral
1941: Whirlaway
1943: Count Fleet
1946: Assault
1948: Citation
1973: Secretariat
1977: Seattle Slew
1978: Affirmed
In 2008, Big Brown won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.
Unfortunatelly he wasn't able to maintain the speed during the last race.
Hopefully, we will have a Triple Crown winner this year!
The Triple Crown is a very important event in the US. In the South of the United States, it is even considered more important than the Super Bowl.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Philppa World - Camarguais Horses & Wars
When conquering the Gaul, Julius Caesar noticed the strange Camarguais horse.
This horse is indeed very intriguing for any warrior such as Julius.
He is strong, agile, fast, very endurant and cold blooded. All perfection....but if only he was taller and more refined. This would be too good to be true. Instead, he is rather small and not very beautiful. He certainly doesn't have the majesty of a Lusitano. Nonetheless, over the centuries, warriors have used the Camarguais horses.
This horse is indeed very intriguing for any warrior such as Julius.
He is strong, agile, fast, very endurant and cold blooded. All perfection....but if only he was taller and more refined. This would be too good to be true. Instead, he is rather small and not very beautiful. He certainly doesn't have the majesty of a Lusitano. Nonetheless, over the centuries, warriors have used the Camarguais horses.
During the Napoleon European campaigns, most Camarguais horses were requisitioned.
The horses for the 2nd Regiment of Éclaireurs were primarily Camarguais horses, and the remount depot was established in Camargue.
General Grelu, who was trained at the French military school of the Cadre Noir, will count us some of the wars histories for which Camarguais horses have been involved.
Stay tunned!
The horses for the 2nd Regiment of Éclaireurs were primarily Camarguais horses, and the remount depot was established in Camargue.
General Grelu, who was trained at the French military school of the Cadre Noir, will count us some of the wars histories for which Camarguais horses have been involved.
Stay tunned!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Philippa World - Polo's Manade & The Templars
Philippa World invintes you to discover the Manade Mejanes.
This 600 ha agricultural property was bought by Paul Ricard in 1939.
Today, you can visit the property which is open to tourists.
Not only you will discover an exceptional fauna and flora, but you will get to know the local traditions of the Camargue in Provence.
The property was used as a pilote to test the rice exploitation. Today, 150 ha are dedicated to rice production (with a modern setting optimizing the water and avoiding persticides).
Horses and bulls live freely on 300 ha of the property.
The rest of the property is dedicated to welcome visitors and organize activities allowing them to discover the local culture:
.How to mark a young bull
. Bull races
. Horse training
The property is also the headquarter of the Union des Clubs Taurins Paul Ricard (Union of bull clubes) working on maintaining the local bull traditions.
Historicaly, the property was built by the Templars. Some buildings were actually build during the 11th century. It is part of the supplement to the General Inventory created by Prosper Merimee and which list all the national French Treasures.
This 600 ha agricultural property was bought by Paul Ricard in 1939.
Today, you can visit the property which is open to tourists.
Not only you will discover an exceptional fauna and flora, but you will get to know the local traditions of the Camargue in Provence.
The property was used as a pilote to test the rice exploitation. Today, 150 ha are dedicated to rice production (with a modern setting optimizing the water and avoiding persticides).
Horses and bulls live freely on 300 ha of the property.
The rest of the property is dedicated to welcome visitors and organize activities allowing them to discover the local culture:
.How to mark a young bull
. Bull races
. Horse training
The property is also the headquarter of the Union des Clubs Taurins Paul Ricard (Union of bull clubes) working on maintaining the local bull traditions.
Historicaly, the property was built by the Templars. Some buildings were actually build during the 11th century. It is part of the supplement to the General Inventory created by Prosper Merimee and which list all the national French Treasures.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Philippa Wolrd - Camarguais Horses & Polo
Do you know this guy?
This is Polo, Paul Ricard.
A mediterranean guy born in the South of France near Marseille.
Paul Ricard became a legend.
You migh know him if you love cars, Formule 1 or Motorcycles.
If you search for him online, you will find this car race circuit
Paul Ricard who was born in 1909 was passionated about mechanical sports and he invested greatly in them.
Passionate, Paul Ricard certainly was about his region. Look at the map and you will notice the "Mistral straight". It refers to the local wind called Mistral. This is a very strong wind coming from the north, taking strengh in the Rhone Valley, and clearing the sky from clouds. This is thanks to the Mistral that you find this peticular light in the South of France painters and photographs come from all over the world to experience and fix forever.
What Paul Ricard and Enzo Ferrari had in commun?
They both loved cars and horse power and were gifted for Marketing. Now the success of Paul Ricard didn't come from his love for cars...
Paul Ricard actually made a fortune from a recipe...
In the 30's, he created a recipe for a very refreshing drink that soon became very popular: the Pastis Ricard.
The anise-flavor liqueur became very popular thanks to the determination and marketing skills of Ricard. The non alcoholic version of the Pastis also became very popular.
During WWII and the occupation, Ricard saved his staff from the deportation by having his employees officially working as farmers breeding horses and bulls in a Ranch he bought: The Manade Méjanes. This way, he would also be able to continue producing the forbiden alcohol for the Resitance...
"J'emmerde le général Pétain!" used to say Ricard (i.e. fuck Petain)
Philippa World invites you to discover this Manade Paul Ricard
Stay tunned!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Philippa World - Camarguais Horse: From Here To Eternity... A White Man
Today, Philippa World will focus on the Camarguais horse.
An eternity indeed that this one is running around... Remaining bones of the Camarguais horse were found and dated from the Stone Age. Considered one of the oldest spiece of horses in the world, this horse is described in Roman texts. According to some authors, it traces back to the Solutrean horse, or for others looks like the Magdalenian horses which are featured in caves like Lascaux. Today, he symbolises the Camargue, region of the Rhone delta, with the black bull and the pink flamingo.
The "white" horse fits to the very tough environment of the Camargue: wild swamps and climate extremes. The high humidity level combined with the strong wind, thanks to which the light is so intense, makes it cold in winter time. Summer time is well defined by heat waves and fall by floodings. Usually 5 feet tall 160 pound heavy, this horse is very robust with unusual strong feet and therefore rarely needs horse shoes.
Now, the secret of this robust animal might be in what he eats. Indeed the grass from this region is full of minerals and therefore breeders of race horses buy the "Crau hay" in order to optimize the performances of their precious athletes. Its great variety of leguminous and graminaceae provide it with a rich tenure of nitrogen, minerals and energy. The Crau hay is the first animal food to have obtained the label of "controlled origin".
If the Camarguais surely received some influence of hot blooded horses such as the arabian and the barb horses, this horse is very calm and could be considered as a cold blooded horse.
The Camarguais is quiet but energic, sensible, lively, agile, brave and with great stamina. He is used to endure bad weathers and long journeys. This horse needs to live wild, and when part of a Manade, this horse has to be let on a vast territory.
The mythology counts that chased by a black bull ,on the sea shore of the Saintes Maries de la Mer, the Camarguais horse had no other choice than plounging in the sea. He was saved by a stalion coming out of the Meerschaum telling him «I will never be your slave, but your friend». This horse is now the best friend of the bull.
Camarguais horses are used by gardians who breed bulls for races and for fightings. Only the Camarguais is cold blooded enough to not fear the bulls and even to tame them with the rigourous know-how of the gardians.
The Camargue has always been a working breed and a faithfull companion for the guardians. The breed was registered in 1976, a studbook opened and standarts edicted in order to perserve its exceptional qualities from crossbreeding. The "berceau de race" (the true Camargue area) was defined as the triangle of Monpellier - Tarascon- Fos Sur Mer. Any Camargue foals born outside this area are registered "Hors Berceau", if they are born outdoors. The Marquage (the branding) is officially held each year in october ; the brand is the symbol of the Manade, a letter for the year and an idendification number, and then the foal is registered in the studbook.
The versatility and size of the Camarguais horses make them good for horseball and other equestrian games, dressage, driving, leasure and long distance riding, for both adults and children.
Not only they are versatile in what they can do, they are also versatile in who the can be with:
They accept children very well indeed as it is described in the White Man.
The Camarguais horse became a movie star thanks to Albert Lamorisse short film "White Man" praised by the NY Times.
This white man is actually born brown, he then becomes grey and finally white at the age of 5 or 6 years old.
In our next edition of Philippa World, we will discover the Manade Paul Ricard where gardians breed Camarguais horses and bulls.
An eternity indeed that this one is running around... Remaining bones of the Camarguais horse were found and dated from the Stone Age. Considered one of the oldest spiece of horses in the world, this horse is described in Roman texts. According to some authors, it traces back to the Solutrean horse, or for others looks like the Magdalenian horses which are featured in caves like Lascaux. Today, he symbolises the Camargue, region of the Rhone delta, with the black bull and the pink flamingo.
The "white" horse fits to the very tough environment of the Camargue: wild swamps and climate extremes. The high humidity level combined with the strong wind, thanks to which the light is so intense, makes it cold in winter time. Summer time is well defined by heat waves and fall by floodings. Usually 5 feet tall 160 pound heavy, this horse is very robust with unusual strong feet and therefore rarely needs horse shoes.
Now, the secret of this robust animal might be in what he eats. Indeed the grass from this region is full of minerals and therefore breeders of race horses buy the "Crau hay" in order to optimize the performances of their precious athletes. Its great variety of leguminous and graminaceae provide it with a rich tenure of nitrogen, minerals and energy. The Crau hay is the first animal food to have obtained the label of "controlled origin".
If the Camarguais surely received some influence of hot blooded horses such as the arabian and the barb horses, this horse is very calm and could be considered as a cold blooded horse.
The Camarguais is quiet but energic, sensible, lively, agile, brave and with great stamina. He is used to endure bad weathers and long journeys. This horse needs to live wild, and when part of a Manade, this horse has to be let on a vast territory.
The mythology counts that chased by a black bull ,on the sea shore of the Saintes Maries de la Mer, the Camarguais horse had no other choice than plounging in the sea. He was saved by a stalion coming out of the Meerschaum telling him «I will never be your slave, but your friend». This horse is now the best friend of the bull.
Camarguais horses are used by gardians who breed bulls for races and for fightings. Only the Camarguais is cold blooded enough to not fear the bulls and even to tame them with the rigourous know-how of the gardians.
The Camargue has always been a working breed and a faithfull companion for the guardians. The breed was registered in 1976, a studbook opened and standarts edicted in order to perserve its exceptional qualities from crossbreeding. The "berceau de race" (the true Camargue area) was defined as the triangle of Monpellier - Tarascon- Fos Sur Mer. Any Camargue foals born outside this area are registered "Hors Berceau", if they are born outdoors. The Marquage (the branding) is officially held each year in october ; the brand is the symbol of the Manade, a letter for the year and an idendification number, and then the foal is registered in the studbook.
The versatility and size of the Camarguais horses make them good for horseball and other equestrian games, dressage, driving, leasure and long distance riding, for both adults and children.
Not only they are versatile in what they can do, they are also versatile in who the can be with:
They accept children very well indeed as it is described in the White Man.
The Camarguais horse became a movie star thanks to Albert Lamorisse short film "White Man" praised by the NY Times.
This white man is actually born brown, he then becomes grey and finally white at the age of 5 or 6 years old.
In our next edition of Philippa World, we will discover the Manade Paul Ricard where gardians breed Camarguais horses and bulls.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Philppa World - Camarguais Horses & Folklore
If Raseteurs are quite courageous, crazy, unconsious...whatever you may think, we would think that horses would be avoiding these bulls.We know that horses are not predators. Their only way to survive is to escape.
But for some reason, Camarguais horses are not afraid of bulls.
They are cold blooded enough to stay calm and trust the instruction of the Camarguais Gardians.
This is why Camarguais horses are used in all the local folklore called Feria during which Bull races and Bull fightings are organized.
Bullfighting also called Corrida is a traditional spectacle of Latin American countries, Spain, Portugal and some cities in southern France such as Nimes and Arles. There are 2 main types of Bull Fightings:
The Spanish Corrida concludes with the killing of the bull by a sword thrust. If the bull demonstrates great courrage, he can be saved by the judges and will experience the joy of
reproduction.
The Portuguese Corrid
a, which finale consists of a tradition called the pega, where men (forcados) try to grab and hold the bull by its horns when it runs at them. Forcados are dressed in a traditional costume of damask or velvet, with long knit hats as worn by the campinos (bull headers) from Ribatejo.The Freestyle bullfighting which is a style of bullfighting developed in American rodeo is sometimes organized in Nimes but not as part of the local folklore and not during Feria. The style was developed by the rodeo clowns who protect bull riders from being trampled or gored by an angry bull. Freestyle bullfighting is a 70-second competition in which the bullfighter (rodeo clown) avoids the bull by means of dodging, jumping and use of a barrel.
Similar games from Freestyle bullfighting have been organized that are close to circus. It is called Taureaupiscine. These silly sport games are organized in an arena in the middle of which there is a free little bull and a little swimming pool. The goal is for participants to avoid the bull and avoid being too wet since the best way to escape the bull is to jump into the swimming pool.
Usually it is a soccer game with the traditional 2 teams but with 2 unusual elements: a bull and a pool. Such games are totally harmless for the bull and funny for the participants.
In all these games, the role of Camarguais horses is limited to conduct the bull from the truck to the arena. Now there is a big difference between an heavy hot blooded bull going to a corrida and a little bull going to a Taureaupiscine....
Similar games from Freestyle bullfighting have been organized that are close to circus. It is called Taureaupiscine. These silly sport games are organized in an arena in the middle of which there is a free little bull and a little swimming pool. The goal is for participants to avoid the bull and avoid being too wet since the best way to escape the bull is to jump into the swimming pool.
Usually it is a soccer game with the traditional 2 teams but with 2 unusual elements: a bull and a pool. Such games are totally harmless for the bull and funny for the participants.
In all these games, the role of Camarguais horses is limited to conduct the bull from the truck to the arena. Now there is a big difference between an heavy hot blooded bull going to a corrida and a little bull going to a Taureaupiscine....
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Philippa World - Camarguais Cowboys: farmers & athletes trainers
Today, Philippa World is going to find out what a cowboy can do in the south of France.
The Camargue, in the south of France, is not so much known for its cows but for its bulls.
So overthere, cowboys are called Gardians. The farms where Gardians raise bulls are called Manades.
The Camargue is the largest river delta in western Europe. Approximately a third of the Camargue is either lakes or marshland. This vast territory still remains wild. The fauna and flora is still preserved with remarkable wild birds, aboundance of mosquitos which make it hard to want to stay there except for some gardians who are breeding horses and bulls.
Since the territory is so vast, Manades usually are very large properties where gardians proceed to an extensive breeding. Indeed, horses and bulls live on a very spacious territories.
Gardians are farmers, breeders and athletes trainers.
Gardians have to maintain the farm where they sometimes produce rice on a part of the property, they also have to breed horses and bulls, and finally they have to select bulls who will be running on "Courses Libres". The Course Libre (free race) is an old tradition where the bull is the center of the attention. Whereas the star is the Matador in bullfights, the star in the "Course Libre" is the bull. Usually this bull is a Camarguais bull, typically small and light (Camarguais bulls usually weight more or less 600 pounds). Nowadays, Camarguais bulls are not or rarely chosen for bullfightings. Bullfightings require heavy impressive bulls (with a weight of more or less 1200 pounds). Mostly Spanish bulls meet the requirements of bullfighting rules.
Raised in large Manades, Camarguais bulls live very freely and somwhat keep their natural instincts. Therefore they are a challenge for these young men who will be running after them during a "Course Libre" in order to catch the little red ribbon called "Cocarde"placed between the horns of the bull by the Gardians before the Course Libre starts. If these young men called Raseteurs manage to get the little red ribbon, they can make some money. Catch one of these red ribbons and you can cash it for a few hundreds euros.
Now don't try to get this little red ribbon if you have never done that before. These bulls are pretty fast and furious...even if they are not that heavy, they still have character.
So you know, Raseteurs usually begin to train in their early teens against young bulls before graduating to regular contests. They don't take the ribbon with their bare hands but with a claw-shaped metal instrument called a raset (hook) in their hands. But don't worry, there is no blood. At least, the bull is never harmed. Raseteurs on the contrary take risks. This entire game is just to show how couragous you can be with a charging bull.
So overthere, cowboys are called Gardians. The farms where Gardians raise bulls are called Manades.
The Camargue is the largest river delta in western Europe. Approximately a third of the Camargue is either lakes or marshland. This vast territory still remains wild. The fauna and flora is still preserved with remarkable wild birds, aboundance of mosquitos which make it hard to want to stay there except for some gardians who are breeding horses and bulls.
Since the territory is so vast, Manades usually are very large properties where gardians proceed to an extensive breeding. Indeed, horses and bulls live on a very spacious territories.
Gardians are farmers, breeders and athletes trainers.
Gardians have to maintain the farm where they sometimes produce rice on a part of the property, they also have to breed horses and bulls, and finally they have to select bulls who will be running on "Courses Libres". The Course Libre (free race) is an old tradition where the bull is the center of the attention. Whereas the star is the Matador in bullfights, the star in the "Course Libre" is the bull. Usually this bull is a Camarguais bull, typically small and light (Camarguais bulls usually weight more or less 600 pounds). Nowadays, Camarguais bulls are not or rarely chosen for bullfightings. Bullfightings require heavy impressive bulls (with a weight of more or less 1200 pounds). Mostly Spanish bulls meet the requirements of bullfighting rules.
Raised in large Manades, Camarguais bulls live very freely and somwhat keep their natural instincts. Therefore they are a challenge for these young men who will be running after them during a "Course Libre" in order to catch the little red ribbon called "Cocarde"placed between the horns of the bull by the Gardians before the Course Libre starts. If these young men called Raseteurs manage to get the little red ribbon, they can make some money. Catch one of these red ribbons and you can cash it for a few hundreds euros.
Now don't try to get this little red ribbon if you have never done that before. These bulls are pretty fast and furious...even if they are not that heavy, they still have character.
So you know, Raseteurs usually begin to train in their early teens against young bulls before graduating to regular contests. They don't take the ribbon with their bare hands but with a claw-shaped metal instrument called a raset (hook) in their hands. But don't worry, there is no blood. At least, the bull is never harmed. Raseteurs on the contrary take risks. This entire game is just to show how couragous you can be with a charging bull.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Philppa World - The French Cowgirl: The Arlesienne
Now that you met the French Cowboy...
Well that's his girl: the Arlesienne
These French Cowgirls don't get the blues... Wanna know why?
Because too many Artists have been thinking about them ! Now, we don't know if they all were thinking of the same Arlesienne.
Bizet composed about her.
In 1890, Van Gogh painted her: Madame Ginoux that you can now see at the Kröller-Müller Museum
Alphonse Daudet also wrote about her.
Like most Provencal beauties, you have to look for her if you really want to see her.
She is a myth who only rides Camarguais sidesaddle
Well that's his girl: the Arlesienne
These French Cowgirls don't get the blues... Wanna know why?
Because too many Artists have been thinking about them ! Now, we don't know if they all were thinking of the same Arlesienne.
Bizet composed about her.
In 1890, Van Gogh painted her: Madame Ginoux that you can now see at the Kröller-Müller Museum
Alphonse Daudet also wrote about her.
Like most Provencal beauties, you have to look for her if you really want to see her.
She is a myth who only rides Camarguais sidesaddle
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